
I suppose I've done over half my studies remotely by distance learning. For some people, it's the ideal way to go, but there are a lot of pros and cons. It depends to a large extent on each individual whether it works best for them.

I suppose I've done over half my studies remotely by distance learning. For some people, it's the ideal way to go, but there are a lot of pros and cons. It depends to a large extent on each individual whether it works best for them.

I used to learn French by leaving lists all over the place, even on the bathroom tiles. I tried making lists on particular topics – sport, names of plants, adverbs, the weather. Some of it worked and some of it didn’t. Then my sister moved to Belgium and invited me for an extended stay. We didn’t do many ‘touristy’ things, but ordinary family things – the supermarket, buying children’s shoes, going to the dry cleaners and making a complaint and all the rest. How my French flourished! The fact is, I was learning in context.


When you meet someone new, under social or business circumstances, it's important to know how to address the individual standing in front of you. Properly addressing people in different situations shows you're respectful of their position and mindful of not offending them in any way. Refined social etiquette as it relates to addressing others promotes smooth and friendly conversation.
Here are 10 tips for properly addressing people in different situations:

There is almost only flat land between my house and the North sea. Only a few trees and the occasional farmhouse or small village between us and the sea, until you come right to the sea front with its taller hotels. This lack of obstructions makes for strong winds bringing with them freezing weather. Yet my weather cock, seen clearly from the kitchen window , is pointing clearly to indicate softer westerlies. One of these days, but not today, I must climb up and see what is jamming it, although at least it promises better weather to come. It is gloomy as well. There is a sundial in the garden, a very accurate one, but it isn’t not much use today when there is complete cloud cover. Britain is a place of ever changing weather so it is a frequent subject of conversation. As I walk to the next village I am just as likely to greet someone with ‘Lovely day ‘ or ‘Isn’t it cold’ as ‘Hello’ or ‘Good morning’. It is an ice breaker, a start to a conversation, or just something to say as we pass each other on the road.

We all have preferred ways of learning. Some prefer to read, others to listen, but both benefit from repetition.
My mother would learn to spell new words by tracing them out on her palm. I am learning German so I keep a grammar book in the bathroom, but it is slow going, mostly because I don't "do" enough.
Understanding how you learn best can help you develop a learning strategy that works for you.